Teenager from Clare has her sporting dream come true to play with All-Ireland team
Thousands raised for a teen to get a sports wheelchair and play on All-Ireland hurling team
A 14-YEAR-OLD from Clare is likely to achieve her sporting dream, as people raise over half of her funding goal in 24 hours.
Isabella Sydney from Ennis has a rare medical condition called Lumbar Sacral Agenesis. She has no lower spine and has undergone numerous surgeries, including a double leg amputation when she was seven-years-old.
Her dream to get a custom built sports wheelchair and play on the All-Ireland Munster Senior hurling team is set to come true, as more than €7,000 of her €12,000 aim was raised on GoFundMe for Isabella in 24 hours.
Her friend and neighbour, Maura O'Grady set up the GoFundMe on behalf of Isabella. She said: "Many simple, everyday things that we take for granted are huge obstacles for Isabella.. [but she] has proven time and again what a determined and strong character she is.
"Snowboarding, horse riding, basketball, gymnastics, swimming, kayaking to name but a few…. Bella has done it all! Bella puts her heart and soul into everything she does without complaint."
Isabella is a member of the Munster Wheelchair Hurling Club where she attends weekly training sessions. She is vice-captain of the junior team and is determined to play on the reigning All-Ireland Munster Senior hurling team.
Maura says: "To fulfil Isabella's dream of playing on the Senior Munster Wheelchair Hurling team, she needs a custom built sports wheelchair. She is currently forced to use her daily wheelchair to train and compete.
"Isabella’s parents, Darum and Clare want the best for their daughter and want her to pursue her passion for hurling. For most parents, boots, hurley and helmet would enable their child to participate. But in addition to the usual equipment required, Bella needs a custom built sports wheelchair which will cost about €12,000.
"This is where we - Isabella's family, friends and community - can help to purchase a sports wheelchair and enable Isabella to flourish and reach her potential as a sportswoman."